One person has been arrested following an arson that impacted four homes in Coquitlam's River Springs neighbourhood last night (Feb. 16).
No one was injured and residents of at least two homes have been displaced after 30 firefighters extinguished the suspected intentional blaze, which is now under RCMP investigation.
As well, a family dog inside one of the homes at the time of the fires was rescued and taken to animal hospital to be treated for minor injuries.
And, Mounties believe the suspect and victims were known to each other.
"Intentionally setting a residence on fire shows a complete disregard for the safety of others," said Sgt. Karrie Ellis of Coquitlam RCMP's criminal investigation department (CID).
"We are happy that no one was seriously injured and that officers were able to make a swift arrest of the suspect."
First responders were called to two houses set ablaze around 11:20 p.m. on Thursday near the intersection of Keith Place and Parkland Drive.
All occupants were outside when Coquitlam Fire Rescue arrived.
Deputy chief Scott Young said both homes were a total loss, while flames also spread to two other nearby residences causing exterior damage.
Crews were able to contain and extinguish the fire before it reached other residences in the area — all in a span of roughly an hour — and personnel stayed on site until 6 a.m. today (Feb. 17).
Mounties were able to find the suspect shortly after. They're still in custody pending a court appearance.
The estimated damage cost of the fire is not yet known, as of this publication.
Anyone with more information on the incident is encouraged to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file-number 2023-4413.
